Our Team
Dillon GoodsoN
Executive Director
Dillon Goodson has spent the past decade working in community and economic development across Chicago, helping improve neighborhoods like Lakeview and the Loop with initiatives that create stronger connections between people and the places we share. He started working at the Lakeview Chamber in 2015 as the Community Development Director and has been responsible for launching the Lakeview Public Art Program and developing the Lakeview Low-Line. Previously, he spent more than five years working at Chicago Loop Alliance, where he helped create a five-year strategic plan for downtown Chicago, and at the Congress for the New Urbanism. He has a B.A. in Public Relations with a focus on Public Law & Political Thought from DePaul University and volunteers with a number of non-profit organizations, including RefugeeOne and Chicago Architecture Center. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors at the International Downtown Association, a world leader and champion for vital and livable urban centers.
Contact Dillon about:
Organizational management questions
Strategic partnerships
Advocacy and policy issues
Planning, zoning and development issues
Neighborhood market research
Becca Girsch
Business Services Director
Becca brings to the Chamber nearly ten years of retail experience as a small business owner. As a result, she has a passion for supporting small businesses, and a commitment to developing thriving and sustainable commercial corridors. Becca joined the Chamber's staff in 2018 and before that owned She One Boutique, a women's clothing store located on Southport Avenue. Prior to owning She One, Becca spent eight years practicing commercial litigation in Chicago as an attorney at Freeborn & Peters LLP and Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP. Becca has a B.A. in History from Villanova University and a Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law.
Contact Becca about:
Membership questions and services
General business assistance and problem solving (marketing, referrals, financing, permitting, etc.)
Business to business event sponsorship opportunities
Available storefronts and site selection
New business assistance
Carisa Marconet
Events & Marketing Director
Carisa Marconet joined the Lakeview Chamber in 2018 and brings over six years of event and marketing experience. Before working at the Chamber, she was Account Manager for Metronome Chicago coordinating with sponsors, vendors and community partners for various Chicago music festivals. With a passion for building communities and supporting local businesses, she started her own concert series in 2015 called Front Porch Concerts. She has a B.A. in Communications & Media from DePaul University.
Contact Carisa about:
Southport Wine & Chocolate Stroll
PorchFest and PorchJams
Sam Adams Lakeview Taco Fest
Roscoe Village Burger Fest
Lincoln Avenue Beer Stroll
Southport Holiday Stroll & Cocktail Crawl
Restaurant Week
Neighborhood marketing
Community newsletter
Community event sponsorship opportunities
Colton Davis
Business Services Manager
Colton is a passionate place management professional who loves all things that have to do with the urban environment. He has over four years of experience working in the economic development, planning and place management industries. Colton’s skills include government advocacy, organizational and program management, and strategic planning to name a few. Previously, Colton worked for the Downtown Seattle Association as a Public Space Program Assistant.
Contact Colton about:
Business networking and educational events
Lakeview Gift Card
Belmont Theater District
Bike-Friendly Business District
Street pole banner program
Business newsletter
Nicole McLellan
Community Development Manager
Nicole comes to the Lakeview Chamber with more than four years of experience working in community engagement, event programming, and development for nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining the Chamber in 2019, Nicole led global expansion and engagement at the Council on Tall Buildings & Urban Habitat, working with stakeholders and other decision-makers around the world to build organizational presence in new regions. Nicole also has experience in public advocacy and policy through her work with Reform for Illinois, a Chicago-area nonprofit focused on increasing transparency in government. Nicole holds a B.A. in International Relations & Global Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a M.S. in International Public Service from DePaul University.
Contact Nicole about:
Special Service Area (SSA) 27
Community relations
Placemaking, public spaces and public art
Landscaping and streetscape enhancements
Sidewalk maintenance
Internship opportunities
Sierra Buffum
Events & Marketing Coordinator
Sierra Buffum found her passion for event production and management through her love of performing. She started with the Chamber in 2019 as the Market Manager for Low-Line Market and was brought on in 2020 as the Event & Marketing Coordinator. When she's not running neighborhood events with the chamber, she runs and produces performance events throughout the city of Chicago, with a focus on unique, inclusive work in DIY/site-specific spaces and destigmatizing mental illness. She has a BA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, and is a certified 200 hour RYT in trauma-informed, psychologically sensitive yoga.
Contact Sierra about:
Low-Line Market
Lincoln Hub Summer Workout Series
Trick or Treat on Southport
Lakeview and Roscoe Village Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremonies
Winter Wellness Program
Bunny Hop
Shop for Schools
Social media
Deana Martin
Bookkeeper & Office Manager
Deana Martin has a B.S. in Accounting and 20 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting. Deana started with the Lakeview Chamber in 2015 and also works at the West Town Chamber of Commerce. Note: Deana is in the office Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
Contact Deana about:
Accounts payable and receivable questions